J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2006 Aug;30(4):368-377.

The Comparison of Exercise Programs for Trunk Stability in the Patients with Microscopic Lumbar Discectomy

• Nam KW
• Jeon BC
• Kwon GY
• Kim GC
• Kang KM

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare an isotonic lumbar extension exercise program utilizing lumbar extension exercise machines with modified combination program of isotonic lumbar extension exercises, including dynamic stabilization exercise, to improve and maintain trunk stability in the patient with microscopic lumbar discectomy. METHOD: We studied 41 male workers who underwent microscopic lumbar discectomy. Group 1 (n=24) was treated with the isotonic lumbar extension exercise program. Group 2 (n=17) was treated with the modified combination program of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise and isotonic lumbar extension exercise. The categories that were evaluated and measured were trunk stability, isometric peak torque of lumbar extensor, weight distribution rate of both leg and trunk muscle balance, and Oswestry low back pain (LBP) disability index.
RESULTS
After 3 months, group 1 revealed higher isometric peak torque, weight distribution rate of both leg and trunk muscle balance compared with that of group 2. At the end of 6 months, group 2 revealed higher isometric peak torque compared with that of group 1.
CONCLUSION
We suggested that combined exercise program, that included the dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise and the isotonic lumbar extension exercise, was a valuable treatment for postoperative lumbar rehabilitation.

Keyword

Microscopic lumbar discectomy; Isotonic lumbar extension exercise; Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise

MeSH Terms

Diskectomy*
Exercise
Humans
Leg
Low Back Pain
Male
Rehabilitation
Torque